Euclid Media Group Acquires Tampa Weekly, Creative Loafing Tampa
Cleveland-based company purchases multimedia property
Tampa, FL — Euclid Media Group, a media company headquartered in Cleveland, OH, announced today that it has purchased Creative Loafing Tampa, an award-winning Tampa Bay alternative weekly publication, formerly owned by SouthComm Inc. Since 1988, Creative Loafing has been committed to providing Tampa Bay with an independent perspective, local news, arts and a comprehensive listing of local events.
Euclid Media Group anticipates ushering in fresh digital and event marketing strategies, and reports the promotion of Scott Harrell, former managing/online editor, to editor-in-chief.
While the transaction entailed layoffs of several SouthComm employees, including long-time Editor-in-Chief David Warner, leadership believes that the newly streamlined staff will strengthen Creative Loafing Tampa and increase its potential for online growth.
"We value the contributions of every staffer," says publisher James Howard, "and the cuts we have made are in no way a reflection on the quality of their work.”
“Creative Loafing Tampa has established itself as a cultural institution and we are very proud to add their incredible and resilient staff to the Euclid family. We’re excited to continue to strengthen CL’s relationships and contributions in the community with
engaging content, local marketing solutions and world class events,” says Michael Wagner, Euclid Media Group COO.
The acquisition marks the ninth property for Euclid Media Group, whose multimedia portfolio includes Orlando Weekly, Cincinnati CityBeat, Cleveland Scene, Detroit Metro Times, Riverfront Times, San Antonio Current, Out In SA and Out in STL. EMG orches-trated a merger of Detroit Metro Times and former alt-weekly, Real Detroit, in 2014. Each property publishes engaging content in print and online, and specializes in producing culturally unique events to highlight the cities in a variety of categories.
About Creative Loafing Tampa:
Creative Loafing Tampa is an award-winning alternative, weekly newspaper and web-site committed to providing Tampa Bay with an independent perspective, up-to-the-mi-nute local news, and a comprehensive listing of local happenings. Creative Loafing of-fers readers’ unique monthly events and CL Deals, a locally focused platform featuring dining and event experiences at half-off their regular price. For more information about Creative Loafing, visit cltampa.com and cldeals.com.
About the Euclid Media Group:
Euclid Media Group is a privately-held media company formed in 2013. EMG is focused on the multimedia production of relevant events and news coverage for the culturally-engaged consumer.
Euclid Media Group is operated by Chris Keating of Shaker Heights, OH; Michael Wagner, of San Antonio, TX; and Andrew Zelman of Cleveland, Ohio. For more info, visit euclidmediagroup.com.
